Inquest into death of Tony Davies hears of changes to CCTV in prison vans

Changes have been made to CCTV systems in prison vans after a suspect died while being transported to a police custody centre. An inquest into the death of Tony Davies heard how the 32-year-old was found slumped in a caged cell and was unresponsive when the van arrived at Middlewich Custody Suite.

Mr Davies was picked up by police in Crewe, near the scene of a burglary in Barthomley Crescent on April 7 last year. Officers observed he was drunk and recorded that detail on a risk assessment form.

But as he was able to talk and walk they put him in a cell in the back of a van driven by a lone civilian escort officer. She drove the 20 minute journey to the Cheshire Police custody suite.

The inquest was told Mr Davies vomited during the journey but that this was not unusual for detained suspects. Post mortem tests showed Mr Davies was six times over the legal drink drive limit and his cause of death was given as acute alcohol poisoning.

Denise Vogan, the civilian officer who drove the van, said: “When I first saw him I noticed Mr Davies was staggering but I wouldn’t have said he was very drunk.

About the author

Kushi Amlak-Sakhu has been a volunteer with 4WardEver UK since 2007/2008. He assists with researching information and submitting them for inclusion on the website, and manages other on-line resources developed by 4WardEver and its associate organisations.
4WardEver UK was launched in 2006 by Tippa Naphtali the cousin of Mikey Powell, who died in the custody of West Midlands police, Birmingham, UK in September 2003.

Thinking about why isn’t a copy of the CCTV footage at point of being brought into and being administrated at the custody suite / desk, also made available alongside you’re rights to any recorded evidence that you have given in the police station…

What are the actual changes… surely from the outset the CCTV is so positioned to capture all.. They should also have these and microphones as standard fittings in custody vans and police vehicles…
And a further shoulder worn camera and microphone for all officers, that can be remotely accessed during their shifts by senior or investigatory officers following complaints or concerns…. Technology will and should change the conduct and the profession itself..